Lachine Canal private docks make area unwelcoming, Projet Montréal says

The growing number of condo buildings and private docks along the Lachine Canal is making what's supposed to be a public area not so public anymore, says Projet Montréal leader Luc Ferrandez.

Ferrandez he's concerned Montrealers will stay away from the area if they don't feel it's truly a public space.

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Projet Montréal is requesting that candidates in the upcoming federal election take a stand on the increasing privatization of Lachine Canal, which is managed by Parks Canada.

"We've noticed there are more privately-owned docks — that are closed to the public — that are being opened along the canal," said Craig Sauvé, a Projet Montréal city councillor for the Southwest borough, told CBC's Homerun on Wednesday. 

"Citizens have come to us and asked, 'what's all this about?' They see this big metal cage saying 'private' just along the Lachine Canal." 

Sauvé said there are three or four privately owned docks on the canal.

"We would like it to be public," he said. "We think its great that there are new people coming in to the neighbourhood and they want to use the docks and the canal. We just want to make sure all the docks are accessible to everyone." 

Ferrandez said Parks Canada would be wise to capitalize on the money it's already invested in the area and curb the increase in private docks.

The bike paths that run along the canal are popular routes for cyclists, and a number of Montrealers use the canal for boating, sunbathing and other warm-weather activities.

Parks Canada and Transport Canada did not return a request for comment on Wednesday.